Selective inhibition of dna polymerase

Abstract

Two peptides, P6 and P7, having the amino acid sequence APGDEPAPPY and AGATAEETRY have been used to obtain antibodies made against them, which antibodies specifically neutralize HSV-1 and HSV-2 DNA polymerase. The present invention also contemplates a method of screening for inhibitors of HSV-1 and HSV-2 polymerase utilizing the antibodies.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for screening for potential inhibitors of a herpes simplex virus DNA polymerase comprising contacting the herpes simplex virus or a peptide having the amino acid sequence APGDEPAPPY or AGATAEETRY, wherein Y is any suitable amino acid residue added to facilitate coupling and function, with the potential inhibitor and an antibody made against the peptide and capable of neutralizing the herpes simplex virus DNA polymerase, and measuring the amount of antibody bound by the peptide or the herpes simplex virus DNA polymerase, wherein a decrease in antibody binding compared to a control incubation performed without the potential inhibitor is indicative of a potential inhibitor of a herpes simplex virus DNA polymerase. 
     
     
       2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the peptide has the amino acid sequence APGDEPAPPY, wherein Y is any suitable amino acid residue added to facilitate coupling and functioning, and the antibody is raised against this peptide. 
     
     
       3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the peptide has the amino acid sequence AGATAEETRY, the Y is any suitable amino acid residue added to facilitate coupling and functioning, and the antibody is raised against this peptide. 
     
     
       4. A method for screening for potential inhibitors of a herpes simplex virus DNA polymerase comprising: (a) contacting the herpes simplex virus DNA polymerase or a peptide having the amino acid sequence APGDEPAPPY or AGATAEETRY, wherein Y is any suitable amino acid residue added to facilitate coupling and function, with an antibody capable of specifically binding the peptide; (b) contacting the resulting antibody-antigen complex with the potential inhibitor; and (c) measuring the release of antibody from the antibody-antigen complex, wherein an increase in release of the antibody from the antibody-antigen complex compared to a control incubation performed without the potential inhibitor is indicative of a potential inhibitor of a herpes virus DNA polymerase.   
     
     
       5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the peptide has the amino acid sequence APGDEPAPPY, wherein Y is any suitable amino acid residue added to facilitate coupling and functioning, and the antibody is made against this peptide. 
     
     
       6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the peptide has the amino acid sequence AGATAEETRY, wherein Y is any suitable amino acid residue added to facilitate coupling and functioning, and the antibody is made against this peptide.